On Why Joint Attention Might Look Atypical in Autism: A Case for a Strong Policy Statement but More Nuanced Empirical Story.

ABSTRACT- In the present response to Gernsbacher, Stevenson, Khandakar, and Goldsmith (2008) , we support the positivistic and strength-based perspective taken by the authors in understanding the abilities and skills of persons with autism. However, we argue that a more tempered approach-one that encompasses a developmental perspective, as well as a more comprehensive review of both the supporting and the contradictory empirical evidence-is warranted in advancing their conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]